The Yoruba Leaders of Thought (Egbe Ilosiwaju Yoruba) have urged key stakeholders, including the governors of Osun and Oyo States, to step in and mediate the escalating rift between two revered traditional rulers — the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Abimbola Owoade.
The group’s appeal follows renewed tensions after the Alaafin publicly criticised the Ooni for conferring a chieftaincy title on prominent businessman Dotun Sanusi — a move that reignited old rivalries.
In a statement titled “Time to Sheath the Sword”, the National Leader of the group, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, urged Governors Ademola Adeleke (Osun) and Seyi Makinde (Oyo) to take immediate steps to de-escalate the conflict and foster reconciliation between the two monarchs.
The statement, issued on Sunday in Ado Ekiti by the group’s National Secretary, Bayo Aina, also recommended that the South-West Council of Obas establish a standing committee to prevent and resolve disputes among traditional rulers.
“If such mechanisms already exist,” Olusi noted, “they should be actively utilised to avert future disputes that threaten the dignity and reverence accorded to our traditional institutions.”
Olusi expressed deep concern over the timing of the dispute, stressing that Yoruba unity is essential in supporting President Bola Tinubu, whom he described as one of the most distinguished sons of Yorubaland.
“It is disheartening,” he added, “that at a time when all hands should be on deck to ensure the success of President Tinubu’s administration, some of our key leaders are fanning the flames of division.”
The group also criticised the growing trend of using historical narratives to fuel discord, warning that the resurfacing of age-old rivalries is causing unnecessary embarrassment to the Yoruba people at home and abroad.
“Instead of drawing inspiration from our rich history to promote unity and pride,” Olusi said, “some have turned it into a weapon for sowing resentment. This only diverts attention from the real challenges facing our people, especially in terms of technology, development, and global competitiveness.”
Despite their concerns, the Yoruba Leaders of Thought commended President Tinubu for appointing Chief Opeyemi Agbaje as Chairman of the Pension Commission of Nigeria, praising the move as a step toward tackling old-age poverty.
“We believe that with efficient and transparent management of pension funds, retirees will enjoy a more dignified and comfortable life after service,” the statement concluded.
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